Book Review: Business Process Integration with SAP ERP

By Vikram Chalana on May 10, 2013

I finally finished reading an awesome book — Business Process Integration with SAP ERP — by Simha Magal and Jeffrey Word and feel like I can now call myself an SAP functional expert! Before reading the book, I had a good functional understanding of parts of SAP ERP and some technical knowledge, and had read many books on SAP. However, I feel like only now do I truly have the most comprehensive functional overview of SAP ERP. I may not be able to configure an SAP system, but I have a really good understanding of what goes into an SAP configuration and how my business might map to an SAP implementation.

The book is based on the TERP-10 course that the SAP Training team offers; but while TERP10 requires the attendees to spend 10 intense days getting in class or online; this book allows busy professionals to get a similar (albeit, not as deep) overview at their own pace, on their own favorite e-Reader devices (Kindle, iPad, Surface, etc.), at their own favorite location (beach, kitchen, etc.)!

The book looks deceptively small, but once you start getting into it, it becomes intense very quickly. A sample manufacturing company — Global Bike, Inc. — is talked about throughout the book and all business processes in that company are clearly described. These business processes are implemented in SAP and you get a very good description of how this business maps to SAP. The illustrations are very helpful as are the video demonstrations showing the SAP transactions, and solidify an understanding of the business process.

One suggestion to the authors to take this book and its content to the next level would be to make an SAP system available on the cloud with all of the configuration and master data. Users of this system will be allowed to complete exercises, such as to complete the entire procure-to-pay process (create a PO, receive good, receive invoice, and pay the vendor), on this system. The practical understanding of SAP that came from such a demo environment would be immense and I’m sure that the readers will be willing to pay extra for access to such a system.

About the author

Vikram Chalana

As Winshuttle's Chief Technology Officer, and Co-Founder, Vikram has been focused on empowering people to transform their ERP-based businesses since Winshuttle's humble beginnings. He is passionate about technology that allows people to improve their lives and the way they run their businesses. Outside of work Vikram likes to spend time outdoors running, hiking, kayaking, and skiing.